Sporting goods store picks Gaston

A Gander Mountain store is coming to Gastonia in 2013 and will employ about 75 people.

By Leo Hohmann

Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 08:09 AM.

A Minnesota-based chain of stores targeting the outdoor enthusiast is planning to set up camp in Gastonia’s Franklin Square, offering everything from hunting and fishing items to hiking and boating supplies.

Gander Mountain will reformat the existing Sports Authority store at 3704 E. Franklin Blvd., said company spokesman Jess Myers. He said the company hopes to have the store ready to open in May or June of 2013.

Work will likely start on the conversion as soon as Sports Authority moves out at the end of December, Myers said.

Gander Mountain is the nation’s leading firearms retailer and operates the largest network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, marine, outdoor lifestyle and active performance products, according to its website.

A Minnesota-based chain of stores targeting the outdoor enthusiast is planning to set up camp in Gastonia’s Franklin Square, offering everything from hunting and fishing items to hiking and boating supplies.

Gander Mountain will reformat the existing Sports Authority store at 3704 E. Franklin Blvd., said company spokesman Jess Myers. He said the company hopes to have the store ready to open in May or June of 2013.

Work will likely start on the conversion as soon as Sports Authority moves out at the end of December, Myers said.

Gander Mountain is the nation’s leading firearms retailer and operates the largest network of stores specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, marine, outdoor lifestyle and active performance products, according to its website.

The company, based in St. Paul, Minn., already operates 119 stores in 24 states. But it has targeted much of its recent growth in the South, Myers said.

The Gastonia store will mark its sixth in North Carolina. Earlier this year, it opened stores in Winston-Salem and Mooresville. It previously opened in Fayetteville, Greensboro and Raleigh.

A manager on duty at the Sports Authority on Monday evening confirmed that his store will close Dec. 29. He would not say how many employees work at the store.

A typical Gander Mountain store employs between 70 and 80 people, with 20 to 30 of those being full-time positions, Myers said.

Myers said the company will do a complete redesign of the interior of the 43,000-square-foot space at Franklin Square shopping center. The store sits between Books-AMillion and PetsMart.

“We’ll have everything you need for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking. Anything you want to do without a roof over your head,” Myers said.

David Pratt, CEO of Gander Mountain, said in a news release that the company was excited to bring its thousands of outdoor products to Gastonia.

“Our newest North Carolina neighbors’ passion for the outdoors and active performance living will be a perfect match with our ‘We Live Outdoors’ culture,” Pratt said.

The new Gander Mountain store will feature one of the largest selections of new and used firearms in North Carolina, together with a wide selection of gear and accessories for hunting, fishing, camping, boating and archery. The Gastonia store will offer an extensive selection of men’s and women’s active performance outdoor and casual apparel, featuring brands like The North Face, Columbia, Under Armour, GSX, Mountain Hardwear, Carhartt, KAVU, Marmot and Kühl, and a wide variety of men’s and women’s active footwear featuring brands like Asics, Merrell, Rocky, Keen, Irish Setter, Teva, New Balance, Brooks, Patagonia, Timberland, LaCrosse, Itasca, Saucony and Salomon.

Gastonia Mayor John Bridgeman said he was pleased that Gander Mountain decided to join the city’s expanding mix of retail options.

“Gander Mountain is known for providing quality merchandise, selection and value to its customers,” Bridgeman said. “We know that this growing, successful retailer will be welcomed and well received in our community.”

WANT MORE INFO?

Additional details on special events, activities and promotions that will be a part of the Gastonia store grand opening celebration will be available at www.Gander- Mountain.com . Those interested in careers with Gander Mountain can explore current opportunities and submit an application online at www. GanderMountain.com/careers .